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Smith revitalises Rangers
Wednesday 30 April, 2008

Rangers Coach Walter Smith assures his team will be more attacking in Florence after Adrian Mutu criticised their “ugly” approach.

The Scots played a very defensive game in the goalless first leg at Ibrox and need to score at the Stadio Franchi on Thursday to have any hope of reaching the UEFA Cup Final.

"The away goal is something that is a very important factor in these games and you have to be careful in the home matches,” said Smith.

"If anything we were a little too careful in the first game. We know in the second match that we will have to try to get at least one goal to progress and we will use the players to the best of their abilities.

"I always think having the first leg at home is not what you want and there is a slight disadvantage there.

"But it does give you an opportunity to use the away-goal rule. In many ways it should be easier for us to be a bit more adventurous in the game tomorrow."

The Rangers boss views Mutu as the prime danger in the Fiorentina squad.

"Mutu is obviously a dangerous player. He is one of those players who can change a game with just one minute of skill.

"He is a very difficult player to mark because he can do things that are different from most other players. He is one among a few other players Fiorentina have that we will have to watch."

The winners will travel to Manchester to face either Zenit St Petersburg or Luca Toni’s Bayern Munich.

"There aren't a lot of times in your career that you can look forward to the chance to get to a European final,” he continued.

"I've had a couple of opportunities before that have passed me by and hopefully this one won't pass me by.

"But both the teams who are here have played a lot of games to get to this stage and will think they deserve the opportunity to get to the Final."

Veteran defender David Weir could be back in the side after a groin strain against Celtic on Sunday raised doubts on whether he would be able to play.


Prandelli's risky business
Cesare Prandelli feels Fiorentina must run risks and play entertaining football to get past Rangers in the UEFA Cup semi-final. More

Semioli's UEFA faith
Fiorentina winger Franco Semioli believes the Viola can overcome Rangers tomorrow night and reach the Final of the UEFA Cup. More



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Pictures: Richiardi (Milan)
& Getty Images (UK)


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